It was to be an adventure - both couples seemingly moving into the next phase of their life, their children having grown up and started families of their own, their working lives beginning to wind down.

Mr Burrows was a long-term employee of energy company Energex. He had accepted a redundancy in the past two years.

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At Cathy and Bob Lawton's neat Springfield Lakes home on Sunday, an estate so new Google Maps is only just catching up, rose bushes have been lovingly cultivated and a sign welcoming grandchildren to ''Nanny and Poppy's'', ''where memories are made and grandchildren are spoilt'' hangs on the front porch.

A lone bunch of flowers sat under it on Sunday afternoon.

Rodney and Mary Burrows had recently sold their Middle Park home, as they were ready to downsize and enjoy some travel. Fairfax Media understands they were staying with their adult children and grandchildren in Sinnamon Park, a suburb about 20 minutes away from their former home.

On Sunday, family and friends had gathered inside the Sinnamon Park home.

New phase: Catherine and Robert Lawton of Springfield Lakes with their grandchildren.

Photo: Facebook

Young couples could be seen on the front lawn embracing each other, but no one wanted to talk.

Neighbours said that one of the children was having a birthday party, a long planned event.

Travel after redundancy: Mary and Rodney Burrows from Brisbane.

Photo: Supplied

''I don't really know them,'' one said.

''But I guess you'd want normality.''

The flight's first officer, Fariq ab Hamid.

Photo: Supplied

On Sunday night the family of Cathy and Bob Lawton released a statement through Queensland police thanking the Australian public for their well wishes and prayers.

"Our family is at present trying to come to terms with this terrible tragedy of the disappearance of Malaysian flight MH370."

"Our family’s hearts go out to all of the 239 passengers, crew and their families on board this flight. The family understands there is an extensive search and rescue operation being undertaken."

"Although best efforts from all the family members are trying to remain positive for any hope of survivors, we are bracing ourselves for the worse possible outcome."

"Cathy and Bob are very much loved by their family, extended families and friends."